A coin actuated device having a solenoid leaf released microswitch

ABSTRACT

A coin control arrangement wherein the operation of a device may be released for use upon the insertion of a prescribed coin is disclosed which employs a coin drop having no mechanical linkage with the device whose operation is to be released after the deposit of the coin. The absence of mechanical linkage precludes fraudulent use of the machine that is sometimes possible when prior art mechanical plunger type coin inserts are used. The coin drop is equipped with an electrical switch momentarily operated by the passage of the coin. The switch momentarily operates a solenoid which operates and unlatches a priorly mechanically latched microswitch. The microwswitch contacts provide a first operating path to a motor driven cam one of whose lobes mechanically releases the device for use. The cam provides a temporary auxiliary operating path for the motor incident to the relatching of the microswitch. Continued action of the cam then breaks the operating path for the motor and readies the apparatus for subsequent operation. A multiple coin control embodiment is also disclosed.

Oct. 2, 1973 COIN ACTUATED DEVICE HAVING A SOLENOID LEAF RELEASED MICROSWITCH Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerThomas E. Kocovsky Attorney-Howard R; Popper [57] ABSTRACT A coin control arrangement wherein the operation of a device may be released for use upon the insertion of a prescribed coin is disclosed which employs a coin drop having no mechanical linkage with the device whose operation is to be released after the deposit of the coin. The absence of mechanical linkage precludes fraudulent use of the machine that is sometimes possible when prior art mechanical plunger type coin inserts are used. The coin drop is equipped with an electrical switch momentarily operated by the passage of the coin. The switch momentarily operates a solenoid which operates and unlatches a priorly mechanically latched microswitch. The microwswitch contacts provide a first operating path to a motor driven cam one of whose lobes mechanically releases the device for use. The cam provides a temporary auxiliary operating path for the motor incident to the relatching of the microswitch. Continued action of the cam then breaks the operating path for the motor and readies the apparatus for subsequent operation. A multiple coin control embodiment is also disclosed.

12 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PAIENTEnucI ems sum 1 or 3 PAIENTEUMZIHH 3.7%.521

SHEET 2 BF 3 FIG. 2

Pmmranw'z 3.182.521

SHEET 3 BF 3 This invention relates to coin-controlled apparatus and more particularly to a coin control for gaming devices and the like which may be used in an environment where they may be subject to tampering or other fraudulent activities.

In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the number of coin-controlled machines and devices available to the public. Because these machines are intended to be used in installations where they be unattended, it has become increasingly necessary to provide equipment which is resistant to tampering or the use of fraudulent methods designed to circumvent the usage charge. The familiar plunger type coin receptacle which, in the past, has proven to be economical and reliable from the standpoint of mechanical function alone has more recently been found to have fallen victim to the onslaught of those who would circumvent the payment of money which the plunger type coin receptacle is designed to receive. Upon analysis of the shortcomings of the plunger type coin receptacle, I have discovered that its principal weakness is that it contains a mechanical linkage to the innermost workings of the machine that allows a certain amount of shock force to be transmitted to the internal pawls or locking devices even when no coin has been inserted. The amount of mechanical manipulation thus permissible is sometimes sufficient to jar loose the detent or pawl devices and allow free and fraudulent use of the machine.

In one particular type-of coin-operated device such as the familiar coin-operated billiard table, the deposit of a coin is supposed to release the pawl allowing the hopper containing the pocketed balls to tilt forward and release its contents of billiard balls to the player as the coin is collected. Unfortunately, the existence of a mechanical linkage between the plunger type of coin collector and the hopper detent or pawl mechanism is sometimes sufficient to permit an unscrupulous customer to apply sufficient impulse or jarring force to the plunger that the detent will be released even without a coin being inserted in the plunger receptacle.

Accordingly, it is an object of my invention to provide a coin control arrangement which contains no direct mechanical linkage between the coin collection device and the remainder of the coin-controlled apparatus, the use of which is to be accorded the customer 'once the coin has been deposited and collected.

It is another object of my invention to provide a coincontrolled arrangement which is simple and reliable and which requires very infrequent service over its useful life.

The foregoing and other objects of my invention are achieved in one illustrative embodiment wherein a coin drop mechanism is employed to receive a deposited coin in order momentarily to close an electrical circuit. The closure of this electrical circuit momentarily energizes a solenoid whose hinged armature moves in such a fashion as to allow a microswitch leaf to wipe up and over the lip of the displaced armature towards the armature fulcrum. Once the microswitch leaf has passed over the lip of the armature, the microswitch closes a circuit to a gear motor. The gear motor turns a fourlobed cam, a first lobe of which commences to turn through an arc that, when completely traversed, lifts a capturing pawl to free the controlled apparatus, e.g., the hopper of a coin-operated billiard table. At the same time, a second lobe of the cam engages a bell crank which returns the extended leaf of the microswitch to its reset position opening the initial actuating circuit for the gear motor. In accordance with an aspect of my invention, l assure that the requisite arc of travel of the first cam lobe will be traversed by providing a secondary operating path for the gear motor just prior to the time that the initial operating path is broken by the bell crank. This secondary operating path of my invention is provided by the second lobe of the cam engaging and making electrical contact with the bell crank, the electrical connection to which maintains the motor operated while the cam is turned through the remainder of its arc. The cam is provided with a third lobe which is brought into position ready to relift the capturing pawl just as the second lobe clears the bell crank breaking the operating circuit for the drive motor.

It is a feature of my invention that the mechanical release mechanism of the coin controlled apparatus be entirely controlled by an electrically driven gear motor which drives a pawl releasing cam through a predetermined arc after a motor operating circuit is initiated by the passage of a coin through a coin slot.

In accordance with a second embodiment of my invention the price charged the user for the use of the coin operated device may be increased when desired by requiring the deposit of more than one coin. In accordance with this aspect of my invention, I provide a second coin drop switch, solenoid and microswitch and I connect the second coin drop switch and solenoid in parallel with the first coin drop switch and solenoid. I connect the contacts of the second microswitch in series with the contacts of the first microswitch and I po sition the second solenoid leaf and microswitch finger so that they occupy positions relative to the bell crank that correspond to the positions occupied by the first solenoid leaf and microswitch finger. In In accordance with this multicoin embodiment of my invention, the deposit of the first coin operates the first solenoid and allows the first microswitch finger to be actuated thereby preparing, but not yet completing, the operating circuit for the drive motor. Upon the deposit of the second coin, the second solenoid is operated allowing the second microswitch to be actuated and its contacts to complete the operating path to the drive motor in series with the operated contacts of the first microswitch. As the gear motor drives the four-lobed cam, the pawl is released as in-the case of the single coin embodiment and when the bell crank is engaged by the cam lobe, the extended fingers of both microswitches are simultaneously restored to their reset position.

It is, accordingly, an advantage of my invention that single or multiple coin drop collection can effect the release of the coin-controlled apparatus without any direct mechanical linkage between the coin insert and the controlled apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The foregoing and other objects and features of my invention may become more apprent by referring now to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows in pictorial view an illustrative embodiment of my invention adapted for use in providing coincontrolled pool table service;

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of certain of the electromechanical elements of my invention;

FIG. 3 shows in schematic form the operation of the single coin-controlled apparatus of my invention, and

FIG. 4 shows the relevant parts of a multiple coincontrolled arrangement according to my invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a rear view of an under-the-table assembly according to my invention suitable for providing coin-controlled billiard table operation. In general throughout the ensuing description the same reference numbers will be used in each of the figures to illustrate the same elements of apparatus.

A drawer unit 1 is positioned under a billiard table (not shown) so that inclined chute 2 engages the billiard table ball return raceway (not shown) which connects with the pockets of the billiard table. In this manner pocketed balls from the tables ball return raceway will enter chute 2, run down ramp 3 and, passing beneath partition W, will enter ball storage hopper 4. Hopper 4 is supported at its left and right-hand sides by hinge pins 5. The hopper is normally prevented from tilting about pins 5 by trunnion 48T (see FIG. 3) which extends from the left-hand side wall (not visible in FIG. 1) of hopper 4 into notch N of capturing pawl 46 (see FIG. 2). The balls in the hopper, such as the ball numbered 6 illustrated in FIG. 1, are prevented from being returned to the player while trunnion 48T is captured by pawl 46 because the balls cannot fit beneath guard rail 7 and, therefore, cannot enter the final return raceway 9A, 9B, 9C. In FIG. 1 the portion 98 of the ball return raceway is shown in dotted outline because it conveniently may be incorporated as an integral part of the billiard table. Accordingly, as the balls are pocketed in the billiard table they will enter chute 2, will roll down ramp 3, and be retained upon hopper 4 where they will be visible to the prospective player through viewing glass port 10.

The prospective player deposits a suitable coin into the coin slot CS at the front of drawer unit 1 and enters the coin-collection apparatus CV. Numerous types of coin drop collection equipment are available on the market and since the operations thereof are well known will not be extensively described herein. Briefly, however, the deposit of the coin in the coin slot CS causes the coin to tumble through the coin verifying machinery CV of the coin drop apparatus following which the coin drops through the coin-collection chute C and in doing so momentarily actuates coin-collection switch 31. Thereafter the coin drops into a coin box CB which is later emptied by the machine proprietor.

In accordance with my invention, the passage of the coin through the coin-collection chute C and the momentary closure of coin-collection switch 31 initiates a sequence of operations which permits the release of the balls from hopper 4 into final return raceway 9A, 9B, 9C. The apparatus which releases hopper 4 is completely mechanically isolated from, i.e., contains no mechanical linkage to the coin deposit and collection apparatus CS, CV, C and CB. More particularly, as is seen in FIG. 1 of the drawing, pawl 46 which controls the release of hopper 4 has no mechanical linkage to the coin deposit equipment and so cannot be the recipient of any concentrated impulse force as was possible in the prior art plunger type of coin release mechanism.

Drawer unit 1 is partitioned into a battery compartment BC in which a battery B for operating the electromechanical release mechanism of my invention is positioned. This battery may be ofany standard type, but from the standpoint of service, reliability, and freedom from frequent replacement I prefer that one of the alkaline or mercury type batteries be used since such a battery will require replacement at very infrequent intervals. The mechanism for controlling the release of capturing pawl 46 is mounted on partition wall W and includes sub-assembly plate AP, drive motor M and reduction gear RG. Assembly plate AP also provides a mounting and support for bell crank 50, solenoid switch S and microswitch MS. The manner in which the apparatus of my invention performs the coin-controlled release operation will now be described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 2, the mechanical elements of my arrangmeent for releasing capturing pawl 46 from hopper trunnion 48T are shown in perspective view. So long as hopper trunnion 48T is contained within notch N of pawl 46 hopper 4 (FIG. 1) retains all of the pocketed balls behind guard 7. When upon the deposit of a coin, drive motor M goes into operation as hereinafter more fully described, cam will commence turning in a clockwise direction and one of its highly articulated lobes 40-1 will engage tang of pawl 46 lifting the pawl. As the cam rotates to and beyond the dotted position shown in the drawing, trunnion 48T clears notch N allowing hopper 4 to spill its contents into the final return raceway. As pawl 46 is raised, lug 46L thereon lifts the finger 46F of counter 46C so that a permanent record is made of the number of times the mechanism is operated.

Continued rotation of cam 40 brings lobe 40-2 into contact with thelefthand arm SOCC of bell crank 50 moving arm 50CC to the right and causing bell crank 50 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about pivot point SOP. The right-hand arm 50RI-I of bell crank 50 then moves towards the right as shown in the dotted outline view. Rotation of cam 40 continues until lobe 40-2 loses contact with arm 50CC at which point drive motor M ceases operation. The function and detailed operation of the cam 40, bell crank 50 as well as the solenoid S and microswitch MS mounted on subassembly plate AP can best be understood by referring now to the electromechanical schematic diagram representation of FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown in electromechanical schematic form the salient elements of an illustrative embodiment of my invention. Upon the deposit of a coin in the coin-collection apparatus C, a momentary electrical circuit is completed at contacts 31 which circuit may be traced from the left-hand side of battery B through current limiting resistor R and the operated make contacts 31 of the coin deposit mechanism to the right-hand terminal of solenoid S through the winding thereof to the left-hand terminal thereof and thence to the right-hand terminal of battery B. The momentary completion of this operating circuit by the passage of the coin energizes solenoid S causing armature leaf 32 to pivot downward about axis 33 stretching solenoid spring 338. The downward motion of leaf 32 allows the operating finger 34 of microswitch MS to move leftward over the lip 35 of the armature leaf under the urging of microswitch spring 36. The positions now occupied by the operated armature leaf 32 and actuated microswitch finger 34 are shown by the dashed line representations of these elements in FIG. 2. The leftward motion of finger 34 closes microswitch contacts 38.

Assuming. that the deposited coin will now have passed through the coin-collection apparatus C into the coin box (not shown), contacts 31 will return to their normal open-circuited condition causing solenoid S to be deenergized. The de-energization of solenoid S will allow solenoid spring 338 to return armature 32 to its upward position. The extended microswitch finger 34, however, maintains microswitch contacts 38 in the operated or closed-circuited condition. The closure of microswitch contacts 38 provides a path from the righthand terminal of battery B to ground thereby completing an operating path for gear motor M. Gear motor M, through reduction gearing RG, commences to turn the four-lobed articulated cam 40 in the clockwise direction. Lobe 40-1 of cam 40 engages tang 45 of pawl 46 causing the pawl to rotate upward about its pivot 47. As lobe 40-1 lifts pawl 46 through an arc, a point will be reached where turnnion 48T is freed from the capturing notch N in pawl 46. Trunnion 48T, pertaining to the remainder of the coin-controlled apparatus, when so freed, moves downward, allows the contents of the hopper H (shown in FIG. l)'to be released to the player after which trunnion 48T-returns to its prior position awaiting recapture by pawl 46.

Gear motor M continues to turn cam 40 after pawl 46 has released trunnion 48T. Lobe 40-2 now engages the left-hand arm 50CC of bell crank 50 applying a ground to arm 50CC and thereby to terminal 50T. The grounding of terminal 50T provides an auxilliary operating ground to motor M. As motor M continues to drive lobe 40-2 through a clockwise arc, bell crank 50 pivots about pivot point 50? causing the right-hand arm 50RH to contact the extended finger 34 of the microswitch MS and urge finger 34 to the right. The continued rightward motion of arm 50R l-l pushesfinger 34 over the lip or edge 35 of solenoid leaf 32 to the initial position'occupied by microswitch finger 34 prior to the energization of solenoid S by coin-collection switch 31. The return of microswitch finger 34 to its reset position releases microswitch make contacts 38, opening the initial operating path for gear motor M. However, the auxilliary ground, applied to terminal 50T by'lobe 40-2 wiping across arm 50CC continues to provide an operating'path for motor M so long aslobe 402 remains in contact with the arm 50 CCiof bell crank 50.

As motor M continues to turn cam 40, lobe 404 will free itself of tang 45 allowing pawl 46 to return to its rest position recapturing trunnion 48T. Simulta neously, lobe 40-2 clears the end 50E of the left-hand bell crank arm 50CC breaking contact therewith and opening the secondary operating path for drive motor M. At thistime, lobe 40-3 is in position underneath tang 45 of pawl 46, drive motor M stops turning cam 40, and the apparatus is once again ready for operation upon the insertion of coin in the coin slot.

MULTICOIN EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a multi-coin same reference number as the elements required for single coin operation with the sole exception that the additional elements will be given prime number designations. Thus, for two-coin operation of the arrangement of my invention I provide an additional coin chute C which incorporates a second coin-collection switch 31. The second coin-collection switch 31' is momentarily operated when the coin is deposited. The momentary operation of coin-collection switch 31' completes a momentary operating path for the second coin solenoid S which solenoid S and coin-collection switch 31' are connected electrically in parallel with the first coin solenoid S and first coin switch 31. As was previously described with respect to FIG. 3, the deposit of the first coin actuates the first coin switch 31 to provide a momentary operating path for first coin solenoid S thereby causing leaf32 to rotate downward about pivot 33. The downward rotation of solenoid leaf 32 allows microswitch finger 34 to extend itself leftward thereby making microswitch contact 38. Similarly, the deposit of the second coin provides a momentary operating path for solenoid S allowing leaf 32 to rotate downward about pivot 33. The finger 34' of second coin microswitch MS now moves to the left allowing microswitch contacts 38 to operate. The operation of microswitch contacts 38' now extends operating ground to,operating microswitch make contacts 38 and conductor 39 and thereby to the right-hand terminal of battery B grounding the right-hand terminal of battery B completes an operating path for drive motor M (FIG.

. 3) which commences through reduction gear RG to rotate cam 40 as previously described. When cam lobe 40-2 as described in connection with FIG..3 engages the left-hand leg of bell crank 50 rotating bell crank 50 counterclockwise about 50P, the right-hand leg 50RH of bell crank 50 engages the extended microswitch finger 34 of first coin microswitch MS. Simultaneously, an

extension 50RI-I' of the right-hand bell crank leg engages the exterided microswitch finger 34'v of second coin microswitch MS eventual-1y restoring microswitch finger 34' to its initial position. Accordingly, the apparatus of-FIG. 4 is set into position by the deposit of two coins either of which may be of any desired designation. Once the drive motor is set into operation by the serially connected operating path provided over microswitch contacts 38 and38', the rotation of one lobe of cam 40 releases capturing pawl 46 and another lobe of cam 40 engages the bell crank rotating it to restore the extended fingers 34 and 34' of both microswitches to their initial positions. It should be understood that the right-hand leg 50RI-I' of bell crank 50 may be implemented by providing a second bell crank ganged to rotate upon the cam pinnion 50? as the bell crank of FIG. 3. Equally advantageously, the right-hand leg 50RH' may be implemented by using a single bell crank having a right-hand leg broad enough to engage the actuating fingers 34 and 34' of both microswitches.

In one illustrative embodiment, drive motor M employed also a miniature fractional horsepower motor of the type normally operable from a single pen light battery. However, for purposes of reliability and longevity, I prefer to supply this drive motor from a battery B of the alkaline type normally known as a lantern" battery. The longevity and reliability of the operation of the apparatus comprising my invention is achieved in part of the fact that the microswitch MS is mechanically unlatched after the operation ofsolenoid S and accordingly no holding current is required to maintain the principal operating path for the motor. It is to be noted that reliable operation of relays normally requires a rather heavy'operating current. In accordance with my invention, no relays are employed, the solenoid S having its winding only momentarily energized by the coin collection switch 31. Accordingly, the only current drain occasioned by the operation of my device is that taken by the drive motor M.

The foregoing is illustrative of the principles of my invention further and other embodiments thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What I claim is:

l. A coin control apparatus for a device having a capturing pawl which precludes operation of said device until said coin is deposited comprising a coin drop switch having contacts momentarily operated by the deposit of a coin of suitable denomination,

a multilobed cam having one lobe thereof operably disposed to temporarily engage said pawl,

a drive motor coupled to said cam for driving said one lobe into engagement with said pawl thereby to release said device for operation,

means connected to and controlled by the momentary operation of said coin drop switch contacts for providing an operating circuit to said drive motor, said operating circuit providing means including a solenoid having a hinged leaf actuated by the momentary operation of said coin drop switch contacts, a microswitch having a spring actuated finger disposed to be released by the actuation of said hinged leaf, said microswitch having contacts in circuit with said drive motor operated upon the release of said finger, and

means inluding a second lobe of said cam for interrupting said drive motor operating circuit after said pawl has been released by said first lobe.

2. A coin control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for interrupting said drive motor includes a bell crank having a first and a second arm, said first arm being disposed to be contacted by said second cam lobe; and wherein said finger is disposed to be contacted by said second bell crank arm to open said operating circuit.

3. A coin control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second cam lobe is disposed to restore said microswitch finger.

4. A coin control apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means controlled by said second cam lobe includes a bell crank and circuit means connected to said bell crank for bypassing said microswitch.

5. A coin control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second cam lobe is electrically conductive and wherein there is disposed between said second cam lobe and said microswitch finger a bell crank having arms to contact said second cam lobe and said finger during a predetermined interval of rotation of said cam lobe,

6. A coin control apparatus according to claim 5 wherein one of said bell crank arms is electrically conductive and is connected in shunt with said microswitch contacts when another of said bell crank arms contacts said finger.

7. A coin control apparatus according to claim 5 further including a coin drop switch for sensing the deposit of a second coin and wherein said means for providing said operating circuit includes a second solenoid controlled by said second coin drop switch.

8. A coin control apparatus according to claim 7 further including a second microswitch having a finger disposed to be released by said second solenoid, said second microswitch having its contacts connected in series with the contacts of said first microswitch.

9. A coin control apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said first coin drop switch and said firstmentioned solenoid are connected in series to a source of potential and wherein said second coin drop switch and said second solenoid are connected in parallel with said first coin drop switch and said first solenoid.

10. A coin control apparatus for billiard table comprising a drawer unit mountable under said table and having a hopper for receiving billiard balls as the same are pocketed during play,

a coin drop switch having contacts for sensing the deposit of a coin of suitable denomination,

a pawl for normally securing said hopper from releasing said balls for further play, said pawl being engageable to release said hopper,

motor driven cam means having a cam lobe operable to release said pawl,

circuit means controlled by said coin drop switch for completing a first operating path to said motor driven cam means to drive said cam through a predetermined arc of rotation during which said cam enters into temporary engagement with said pawl,

and

means controlled by said cam means for completing a second operating path in shunt with said first operating path and including a further lobe of said motor-driven cam means, said further lobe being electrically conductive.

11. -A coin control apparatus according to claim 10 where said first operating path includes a battery, current limiting means, and a solenoid having a winding in circuit with said battery and said current limiting means, said solenoid being temporarily energized during the passage of a coin through said coin drop switch contacts; mechanically latchable switch means unlatchable upon the momentary operation of said solenoid for maintaining said first operating path between said motor driven cam means and said battery; said apparatus further including means controlled by said motor driven cam means for re-latching said switch means after said cam has been driven through said predetermined arc of rotation, said second operating path becoming effective after said switch means has ben relatched.

12. A coin control apparatus for a billiard table comprising:

a drawer unit mountable under said table and having a hopper for receiving billiard balls as the same are pocketed during play, a coin drop switch having contacts for sensing the deposit of a coin of suitable denomination,

first means including said cam for supplementing said first operating path when said cam has been rotated through a predetermined ark of rotation,

second means including said cam for relatching said switch after said cam has been rotated through said predetermined arc of rotation, and

third means including said cam for interrupting said operating path after said pawl has been engaged to release said hopper. 

1. A coin control apparatus for a device having a capturing pawl which precludes operation of said device until said coin is deposited comprising a coin drop switch having contacts momentarily operated by the deposit of a coin of suitable denomination, a multilobed cam having one lobe thereof operably disposed to temporarily engage said pawl, a drive motor coupled to said cam for driving said one lobe into engagement with said pawl thereby to releasE said device for operation, means connected to and controlled by the momentary operation of said coin drop switch contacts for providing an operating circuit to said drive motor, said operating circuit providing means including a solenoid having a hinged leaf actuated by the momentary operation of said coin drop switch contacts, a microswitch having a spring actuated finger disposed to be released by the actuation of said hinged leaf, said microswitch having contacts in circuit with said drive motor operated upon the release of said finger, and means including a second lobe of said cam for interrupting said drive motor operating circuit after said pawl has been released by said first lobe.
 2. A coin control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for interrupting said drive motor includes a bell crank having a first and a second arm, said first arm being disposed to be contacted by said second cam lobe; and wherein said finger is disposed to be contacted by said second bell crank arm to open said operating circuit.
 3. A coin control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second cam lobe is disposed to restore said microswitch finger.
 4. A coin control apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means controlled by said second cam lobe includes a bell crank and circuit means connected to said bell crank for bypassing said microswitch.
 5. A coin control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second cam lobe is electrically conductive and wherein there is disposed between said second cam lobe and said microswitch finger a bell crank having arms to contact said second cam lobe and said finger during a predetermined interval of rotation of said cam lobe.
 6. A coin control apparatus according to claim 5 wherein one of said bell crank arms is electrically conductive and is connected in shunt with said microswitch contacts when another of said bell crank arms contacts said finger.
 7. A coin control apparatus according to claim 5 further including a coin drop switch for sensing the deposit of a second coin and wherein said means for providing said operating circuit includes a second solenoid controlled by said second coin drop switch.
 8. A coin control apparatus according to claim 7 further including a second microswitch having a finger disposed to be released by said second solenoid, said second microswitch having its contacts connected in series with the contacts of said first microswitch.
 9. A coin control apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said first coin drop switch and said first-mentioned solenoid are connected in series to a source of potential and wherein said second coin drop switch and said second solenoid are connected in parallel with said first coin drop switch and said first solenoid.
 10. A coin control apparatus for a billiard table comprising a drawer unit mountable under said table and having a hopper for receiving billiard balls as the same are pocketed during play, a coin drop switch having contacts for sensing the deposit of a coin of suitable denomination, a pawl for normally securing said hopper from releasing said balls for further play, said pawl being engageable to release said hopper, motor driven cam means having a cam lobe operable to release said pawl, circuit means controlled by said coin drop switch for completing a first operating path to said motor driven cam means to drive said cam through a predetermined arc of rotation during which said cam enters into temporary engagement with said pawl, and means controlled by said cam means for completing a second operating path in shunt with said first operating path and including a further lobe of said motor-driven cam means, said further lobe being electrically conductive.
 11. A coin control apparatus according to claim 10 where said first operating path includes a battery, current limiting means, and a solenoid having a winding in circuit with said battery and said current limiting means, said solenoid being tempoRarily energized during the passage of a coin through said coin drop switch contacts; mechanically latchable switch means unlatchable upon the momentary operation of said solenoid for maintaining said first operating path between said motor driven cam means and said battery; said apparatus further including means controlled by said motor driven cam means for re-latching said switch means after said cam has been driven through said predetermined arc of rotation, said second operating path becoming effective after said switch means has ben re-latched.
 12. A coin control apparatus for a billiard table comprising: a drawer unit mountable under said table and having a hopper for receiving billiard balls as the same are pocketed during play, a coin drop switch having contacts for sensing the deposit of a coin of suitable denomination, a pawl for normally securing said hopper from releasing said balls for further play, said pawl being engageable to release said hopper, motor driven cam means having a cam operable to release said pawl, unlatching means controlled by the momentary operation of said coin drop switch contacts for completing a first operating path to said motor driven cam means, said unlatching means including a solenoid and a mechanically latchable switch, said switch being unlatched by the operation of said solenoid, first means including said cam for supplementing said first operating path when said cam has been rotated through a predetermined ark of rotation, second means including said cam for relatching said switch after said cam has been rotated through said predetermined arc of rotation, and third means including said cam for interrupting said operating path after said pawl has been engaged to release said hopper. 